Jerusalem: The Israeli occupation has initiated a wide-scale aerial offensive against Iran, targeting critical military and nuclear infrastructure. The operation, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," commenced early Friday with a series of airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. Tehran has vowed retaliation, while US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military was not involved in the attack, leading to global condemnation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Israeli offensive involves over 200 warplanes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and long-range missile infrastructure. The operation has led to the deaths of senior military figures, including the chief of army staff, Mohammad Bagheri, and the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami. The Natanz nuclear site, a key uranium enrichment facility, was among the targets, though Iranian authorities have assured that there are no heightened radiation levels detected so far.
In response to the strikes, the Israeli military has imposed a full lockdown on the occupied West Bank, restricting Palestinian movement. This decision, ordered by IDF Central Command Chief Major-General Avi Bluth, is part of security measures anticipating potential retaliatory actions.
Military sources, cited by Israeli Army Radio, suggest that the operation could extend for weeks, with expectations of Iranian retaliation through ballistic missile attacks. The escalation has sparked concerns of a broader conflict in the Middle East, with many countries condemning the aggression and calling for de-escalation.
Internationally, leaders have expressed apprehension over the potential for a wider conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin is closely monitoring the situation, warning of unintended consequences. Belgium's Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, and France's Foreign Ministry have expressed concerns, urging restraint and diplomatic engagement.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have condemned the Israeli actions as violations of international law, calling for urgent international intervention. The Arab League has also denounced the strikes, describing them as a breach of international norms.
Kuwait's Supreme Defense Council has convened in response to the developments, urging a coordinated response to the regional tensions. Kuwait has called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action to halt the escalation and maintain regional stability.
Countries like Japan, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia have echoed calls for restraint and dialogue, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation in the region.